The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain - Softcover

Eide M.D. M.A., Brock L.; Eide M.D., Fernette F.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0452297923 ISBN 13: 9780452297920

Publisher: Plume, 2012

Synopsis

"A must read for parents, educators, and people with dyslexia." -Gordon F. Sherman, Ph.D., Past-President International Dyslexia Association

Did you know that many successful architects, lawyers, engineers—even bestselling novelists—had difficulties learning to read and write as children? In this groundbreaking book, Brock and Fernette Eide explain how 20% of people—individuals with dyslexia—share a unique learning style that can create advantages in a classroom, at a job, or at home. Using their combined expertise in neurology and education, the authors show how these individuals not only perceive the written word differently but may also excel at spatial reasoning, see insightful connections that others simply miss, understand the world in stories, and display amazing creativity. Blending personal stories with hard science, The Dyslexic Advantage provides invaluable advice on how parents, educators, and individuals with dyslexia can recognize and use the strengths of the dyslexic learning style in: material reasoning (used by architects and engineers); interconnected reasoning (scientists and designers), narrative reasoning (novelists and lawyers); and dynamic reasoning (economists and entrepreneurs.)

With prescriptive advice and inspiring testimonials, this paradigm-shifting book proves that dyslexia doesn’t have to be a detriment, but can often become an asset for success.

About this title

From the Inside Flap

If you ask contractors, engineers, rocket scientists, or even famous mystery novelists if they had trouble with reading in school, an astonishing number will answer: "Yes, how did you know?"
Authors Brock and Fernette Eide know why people in these professions tend to have had difficulties with reading and writing. The cause is simple: their brains are different.  Individuals who have dyslexia, whether it is mild or severe, think uniquely about what they see and learn in their everyday lives, whether it's in a classroom, at a job, or in their own home.  
In this revolutionary book, the Eides use new brain science and their expertise in neurology and learning disorders to explain how individuals with dyslexia not only perceive the written word differently, but also conceive space more intuitively, see connections between unrelated objects, and are able to make great leaps creatively that others simply miss.  
Presenting a variety of case studies and true stories to support the science, The Dyslexic Advantage demonstrates that each individual with dyslexia is unique, and faces specific challenges while, at the same time, experiences remarkable talent and ability.  Carefully explaining how four areas dyslexics excel in appear in the activities of children and adults, the Eides provide useful advice on how to maximize an individual's potential in: material reasoning (used by architects and engineers); interconnected reasoning (scientists and designers), narrative reasoning (novelists and lawyers); and dynamic reasoning (economists and entrepreneurs.) 
Putting emphasis on the advantages of the dyslexic brain rather than the well-trod challenges with reading and writing, the Eides blend advice from successful individuals who learned to excel at "being dyslexic" with findings from their research that parents, educators, and individuals with dyslexia can use to help maximize their dyslexic advantage.
Providing the first complete portrait of dyslexia, the Eides show that it is not a condition people have, but rather a part of who someone is―which can be cultivated as a great strength.

From the Back Cover

Advance Praise for The Dyslexic Advantage

"The Dyslexic Advantage is a paradigm-shifting book that captures the remarkable advantages that come with this different style of thinking. This book should be the first people reach for when they want to learn about what it really means to be dyslexic."―New York Times bestselling novelist Vince Flynn

"Any book that focuses on the benefits of having a dyslexic brain should be celebrated.  So blow the bugles and toss flowers to herald the arrival of The Dyslexic Advantage. This book has some of the best writing on the subject of dyslexia that I have come across. Reading it brought to mind eureka moments." ―Jeanne Betancourt, the author of My Name Is Brain Brian and the Pony Pals series

"How did the two of you know me so well? Anywhere I open your book, clarity falls out." - Henry Winkler, actor and bestselling author of the Hank Zipzer series
 "The authors did a great job explaining dyslexia and really hit the nail on the head! As I was reading, it felt like someone was inside of me writing down my inner most thoughts. Gripping, powerful, and insightful―and for dyslexics, immensely validating."―Nancy Ratey, Ed.M., MCC, SCAC, author of The Disorganized Mind

"A fantastic read for anyone who wants to learn about dyslexia. Brock and Fernette Eide have a knack for explaining complex ideas and scientific work in a simple manner and offering great insights. This is probably the most helpful material ever published on dyslexia...A classic."―Manuel Casanova, M.D., professor, Gottfried and Gisela Kolb Endowed Chair in Psychiatry at the University of Louisville

"This provocative book explores the misunderstood side of dyslexia that is characterized by skill and talent. The authors focus on what dyslexic people do well. This is a must read for parents, educators, and people with dyslexia."---Gordon F. Sherman, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Newgrange School and Education Center and former President of the International Dyslexia Association

Edition details

• Publisher: Plume
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0452297923
• ISBN 13: 9780452297920
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 304